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Showing posts from 2012

The day after a Checkride

We have a new ATP helicopter pilot, and a happy kid on the block. Nerves were evident but, I did enough to satisfy the examiner. Had a dry mouth throughout the ride. A special call out goes to the team at Ocean Helicopters, West Palm Beach (F45), with a special mention for the great a proffessional attitude of Adam Hammond. Also special mentions for Terry Raber, Pam and Gill. A really good team an outfit. Thanks guys

An attack on the helicopter industry!

Here is an interesting and scary letter from Matt Zucarro, president of HAI. I hope after you read it that you will support HAI. "We Get No Respect" Assaults on our industry have become interwoven into the very fabric that constitutes our daily activities. Don't get me wrong, I welcome discussions on relevant issues such as safety and noise issues, and appreciate the opportunity to improve in these areas. I am talking about in-your-face, no-compromise, take-no-prisoner assaults. For example, a community leader once told me, "You better get retrained; we are going to put you out of business." Good news here, other community representatives indicated they did not agree and looked forward to working with us. Or how about a congressman whose stated goal is to never see or hear another helicopter over his district? What can I say — maybe my new mission should be to make sure he does not get reelected. I tend to lose my sense of humor when I hear such things. Ev

The night before a Checkride

Oh how the night drags on! It is always a nightmare. Away from family, nerves on tender hooks. Have been putting this ride off for nearly two years. Well my written expires at the end of next month, time to bite the bullet. Weather isn't helping, the winds are strong; this is however not an excuse, since the rating is sort of supposed to cover this. Oh I forgot to say, this is an helicopter ATP ride. Well wish me luck.

Does Tecnam Customer Service Suck?

My emotions do not allow me to be a judge. But as you have seen from previous posts, I have had issues with the aircraft ordered. The aircraft ordered is still in for repair and after extensive haggling we managed to get a loaner. Well guess what? The loaner was down due to electrical issues for the first week or so and then after flying for a couple of weeks it's registration has expired. We informed Tecnam as to the pending expiration. They assured us that they were on top of it. Again, guess what!? Nothing happens. Unbelievable! Hey but why should they care if they ruin an individuals business, they have the cash right!

ILS 08R F45 (North Co. West Palm Beach) N155MG April 9, 2012

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Tecnam P2006T still down

Well I have refrained until now to post anything about the new Tecnam Twin. Well it did arrive late January, but unfortunately had some issues. The biggest but not the only one being a fuel leak. Other issues also arose with the electrics and there is also a possible issue with the autopilot. On top of that placards were missing and there is debate as to whether the official AFM is complete. Oh! I almost fogot to mention that the airconditioning was not installed, apparently the a/c has not been approved by the FAA. It would have been nice to have been informed this on purchase. A couple of weeks later the factory also sent some technicians to work on the aircraft, but did not hacpve the necessary paper work on hand, thus grounding the aircraft. Anyway, after numerous emails, phone calls, thevaircraftbwas picked up by the dealer to make a second attempt on repairing the fuel leak. It is April, and they hacpve had the aircraft for a month and it is still not fixed. Since i

FAA 2012 Safety Standdown Scenario 1

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Janeen Kochan a local examiner here in central Florida , is among the panelists in this series of safety discussions from the FAAfast team.

Tinkler faces motion to dismiss Florida bankruptcy proceedings - World, Business - Independent.ie

As I thought this explains why he wouldn't pay Tinkler faces motion to dismiss Florida bankruptcy proceedings - World, Business - Independent.ie

Yet another delay for the Tecnam Twin P2006T

Firstly Italy did not send the correct paperwork, then when the aircraft is about to be inspected by the FAA, it is discovered that they where inconsistent with the serial number. Because of this delivery has been delayed yet again. Let's hope that they are better at putting the aircraft together than they are with putting the paperwork together. The new delivery date is for this coming Tuesday. We will see!

Addition To the Family - Tecnam Twin P2006T N255MG

The twin should be certified by the FAA today, and then should be Flown down to Florida from Virginia on Friday. At last, it is already one month overdue. It does seem coincidental that there is a LSA show at Seabring this weekend, anyway my training in the new aircraft takes place on Sunday or Monday and instruction should start late next week or early the following week. Sunstate Aviation will cover while I am skiing. Hopefully this will be nice addition to the R44 helicopter N155MG.

Oliver VTOL announces commercial version of the "Hexplane" | Vertical - Helicopter News

Oliver VTOL announces commercial version of the "Hexplane" | Vertical - Helicopter News